George and Todd,
First, I didn't start the discussion on Tyler Fish Farms and don't understand why you are both so sensitive about it.
George suggested an in-breeding problem and I wanted to mention that Bob told me about his continuing efforts at genetics improvement. George also said that Bob does not sell HSB. Bob had them for sale last spring when I was there. What's the big deal?
I haven't discussed Tilapia with Bob. If you want his opinions on Tilapia, I suggest you ask him.
Does he grow out HSB? I have no idea. Again, ask him if you are interested. Is he enthusiastic about HSB?...ask him.
If you have other questions about his philosophy, again I suggest you ask him. He needs no defense on this Forum, nor any other.
Reputable dealers do not run down their competitors...Bob mentioned no names and neither did I. I certainly do not believe in building oneself up by tearing others down....and don't do business with those that do. Bob made his case on threadfins to me convincingly, because he told me exactly what happened to me before I ever said anything about it.
Todd,
I haven't changed my opinion of pure strain Florida bass in the least and don't know where you inferred that. I do want Florida genetics which are available in the F1 LMB...pure strain Floridas, no. F1 LMB are a terrific fish, by everything I can determine. They are exactly the fish I want in all my predator based fishing ponds.
As related to my passion for HSB, that has waned considerably since I learned last summer, the hard way, that they will die when caught over three pounds in the summer months, in my ponds, regardless of tackle used. Then I was even more disappointed to see that Bruce had warned about this high mortality above 81 degrees a long time ago. Apparently, it is fairly common knowledge. I have no desire to carry around oxygen bottles or have my friends do the same when fishing my ponds, nor do I relish the thought of having to suspend fishing for at least 1/3 of the year in order to insure the survival of large HSB. I wish I had been told about this characteristic before I purchased them, so I could have made a more informed decision. That is my fault for not doing more homework and talking to more people. I accept the consequences for that and blame only myself for not performing the due diligence.
If you or George have further questions about Tyler Fish Farm, their genetics, or whatever, please ask Bob, not me. That way there will be no "fuzz" on the answers. I'm not interested in being a middle man nor in any contest between businesses. Life is too short for that kind of nonsense.
